Dan Durston’s Gear Design Playbook

Send us a textDo you know what makes a sewing pattern great? We're not talking about being just usable, but functional, inclusive, and built to last. In this episode, we sit down with Ellie Rivkin of Road Trip Pattern Co to unpack her approach to designing technical apparel patterns, from inspiration and tools to testing and fit. Ellie has an impressive resume with companies like Gap, Wooland, Northwest Alpine, and now Columbia Sportswear all on her portfolio. We're not even here to talk about those companies because Ellie also makes her own patterns for Road Trip Pattern Co. Road Trip Pattern CoEllie Rivkin LinkedInCascadia JoggersRoad Trip on InstagramLinks: Wool &Wool & PrinceGapNorthwest AlpineColumbia Sportswear OpitexClo3DTukatechStretch NeedleBall Point NeedleWalking FootThreadloop Find Us on Social Media 🚀@RipstopbytheRollwww.ripstopbytheroll.com

Send us a textIn this episode Carter and Jameson pull back the curtain on fanny pack features. This isn’t advice from the sidelines. It’s hands-on insight from makers who know their way around patterns, materials, and how to build gear for every-day maker. Whether you're trying to choose the panel design, dial in your seam finishing, or avoid features that sound cool but flop in real life, we’ve got you covered.Show Links: Reflective MeshCenter Push Magic Buckle210D Venom™ Gridstop Fidlock V-Buckle 40mmSpacer MeshVenom™ UL Stretch Mesh ECOFanny Pack PatternFind Us on Social Media 🚀@RipstopbytheRollwww.ripstopbytheroll.com

Send us a textIn this episode, Dan Durston opens up his gear design playbook — sharing the principles, philosophies, and materials that guide his top-rated products. From the drama behind the X-Dome tent to bold opinions on fabrics like Challenge TNT, Dan doesn’t hold back. If you care about thoughtful design, innovative materials, and what it takes to build gear that actually works, this one’s a must-listen.Links: Durston GearEpisode 45Find Us on Social Media 🚀@RipstopbytheRollwww.ripstopbytheroll.com

Send us a textAfter analyzing thousands of products, we've been able to identify common construction mistakes that are plaguing makers everywhere. We highlight the top 10 problems that can serious impact the durability, longevity, and quality of your products. Listen to this episode to save yourself the headaches that MYOGers before have endured. Episode Links: Scissor Magnets Magnetic Seam GuideEp. 106 with Dan McKewenDyneema® Repair Tape MIL-SPEC Nylon Grosgrain RibbonPacking Cube KitSewing Start-Up Check-ListFind Us on Social Media 🚀@RipstopbytheRollwww.ripstopbytheroll.com

Send us a textYou know that moment when someone looks at your MYOG project and says, “I can tell”? Ryan Campbell of The Wandering Goat is sharing 7 tips to make your gear look and feel professional—like it came straight from a factory floor, not your garage.We sit down with Ryan Campbell, a small-batch bag maker known for highly customized, thoughtfully crafted gear. From bright-eyed beginner to shipping bespoke pieces to international clients, Ryan’s been through the full arc of the MYOG journey—and he’s here to share what he’s learned along the way.In addition to pro-level tips, we dive into Ryan’s sewing origin story, the machines and gadgets he swears by, and the materials he hopes to see more of in the future.Links: https://www.instagram.com/the_wandering_goat/Thread burner Slicer craft knifeBest damn knife Heat transfer vinyl Find Us on Social Media 🚀@RipstopbytheRollwww.ripstopbytheroll.com

Send us a textProjector sewing is one of the fastest growing trends in the sewing world. In this episode, we break down what projector sewing is, how it works, and why it's gaining popularity in both home sewing and DIY gear-making. From gear recommendations and setup tips to pattern formats and software options, we’re covering everything you need to know to get started.Plus, Francesca shares her own journey into projector sewing, the challenges she faced early on, and the favorite projects she’s created using this digital method. Whether you're curious, cautious, or completely sold, she offers tips to help you avoid common pitfalls and make the switch with confidence.Also in this episode: – Gear you’ll need for the ideal setup – Troubleshooting brightness, distortion, and calibration issues – Go-to resources and must-follow accounts for projector sewing – A special shoutout to Trail Days in Damascus, VA (May 16–18) – Exclusive giveaways, discounts, and more!Mentioned Links:Projectors for Sewing Facebook Group, Pattern Projector, ProjectorSewing.com, https://projectandcut.com/https://projectorsewing.com/Accounts to follow: @minimalistmachinist @aaronicabcolestudio @marliesreukers @Madeby_francescaThreadLoopFind Us on Social Media 🚀@RipstopbytheRollwww.ripstopbytheroll.com

Send us a textIs making your own gear actually saving you money? According to our math, DIYers can sometimes save up to 200%—but we've also seen folks drop $300 on a project they could’ve bought for $250. In this episode, we break down the three tiers of MYOG, what drives costs in each, and what makers are really spending when they go the DIY route.Products Mentioned: Kits/Patterns: ZPPTarp WalletBear Bag Kit with Dyneema® Composite FabricAlpha Raglan HoodieDias ShortsFabrics: 210D Venom™ Gridstop ECO  3.4 oz Nylon Taslan/Supplex1.1 oz SilpolyEp. 69 - Making Happy Accidents with Dustin Klein Find Us on Social Media 🚀@RipstopbytheRollwww.ripstopbytheroll.com

Send us a textData sheets help give quantitative data on how a fabric performs. This data is invaluable but can be confusing if you don't know what you're looking at. That's why we did this episode. Maddie Wilson from NC State's College of Textiles helps us understand how each test is performed and what the test value really means. Show Links: Here is an example of a data sheet. You can find data sheets in the photo carousel of most product pages. NC State Wilson College of Textiles Summer Course for High School StudentsPhysical Testing LabProducts Mentioned: Dyneema® Composite Fabric 1.0 oz MONOLITE Ripstop Nylon Mesh4.0 oz Pocket MeshChallenge ULTRA™ 800XFind Us on Social Media 🚀@RipstopbytheRollwww.ripstopbytheroll.com

Send us a textWe feature as the guest on this "ask us anything" style of episode. Listen to hear us talk about fabric application, sewing tips, business changes, and other things that makers have requested to know. Product Links: Schmetz Universal Machine NeedlesSchmetz Sharp/Microtex Machine NeedlesGutermann MARA 70Gutermann MARA 50210 Venom™ Gridstop ECOFind Us on Social Media 🚀@RipstopbytheRollwww.ripstopbytheroll.com

Send us a textIf you ask Chat GPT what the 5 keys to a great bikebag are, you'll get a good list. But it may not be vetted from professional bike bag makers like our list is in this episode. We talk with Lane and Steph from Oveja Negra. The so called, Black Sheep, of the bikebag work will surprise you in their keys to the bags that carry us on our two-wheeled adventures. Oveja NegraPlease note: Our guests were recording in their sew shop. This makes the conversation feel very organic, like two makers in their element. However, it can be disruptive and a bit loud at times. We want to apologize for the quality being below our standard and assure you that we will make sure this doesn't happen again. Find Us on Social Media 🚀@RipstopbytheRollwww.ripstopbytheroll.com